Agrazal strong in return but Curve bats go quiet in 2-1 loss

Curve strand late chances against Thunder bullpen

Altoona Curve right-handed pitcher Dario Agrazal

By Trey Wilson / Altoona Curve | August 8, 2018 4:01 PM

TRENTON, N.J. - Dario Agrazaldealt six strong inning in his first start since May, but the Altoona Curve were unable to capitalize on late scoring chances and lost to the Trenton Thunder, 2-1, on Wednesday afternoon at ARM & HAMMER Park.

The Curve (60-51) were held to one hit through the first seven innings by the Thunder (64-50) and dropped the middle game of the series.

Trailing 2-0 entering the eighth inning, Tyler Gaffneybroke the shutout with an RBI single to pull the Curve within a run. With the bases loaded and one out, Ke'Bryan Hayeslined out to second and Cole Tuckerwas doubled off at first base.

In the ninth, Bryan Reynoldsand Will Craighit back-to-back singles to start the inning, but Jin-De Jhangstruck out while attempting to move the runners over with a sacrifice bunt. Stephen Alemaisfollowed by rolling into a game-ending double play against Matt Wivinis (Save, 1).

After spending time on the disabled list and then with the Bradenton Marauders, Agrazal (Loss, 3-3) did not allow a run over his first five innings until Trey Amburgey drove a two-run homer for the Thunder in the sixth inning on a two-out, two-strike pitch for Trenton's only runs of the game.

Agrazal worked six innings and allowed two runs on seven hits with no walks and three strikeouts.

Tate Scioneauxpitched two scoreless innings and allowed two hits with no walks and two strikeouts.

The Curve and Thunder play the finale of the three-game series on Thursday night. Right-hander Eduardo Vera(5-3, 4.62) will start for the Curve, opposed by Trenton right-hander Trevor Stephan (2-7, 4.78). First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. at ARM & HAMMER Park in Trenton.

-CURVE-

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.